On Dec. 3, UtahAmerican Energy released a press statement confirming that the company had idled the Westridge coal mine.

"Today, due to unanticipated geological conditions resulting in a high percentage of ash content in the coal that is currently being mined, the Westridge mine has been temporarily idled for a period of approximately 48 hours while management reviews its options and devises a plan to relocate the longwall to an area where conditions are more favorable," stated company vice president Rob Murray.

Westridge is one of three UtahAmerican mines owned by Murray Energy. All three are currently idled to some degree.

The state prosecutor's office has dismissed a felony level criminal complaint charging a former Utah Highway Patrol trooper with second degree aggravated assault in connection with a March 2006 shooting incident.

The incident reportedly started at a Green River motel and climaxed when one male subject was shot after pursuing law enforcement officers apprehended two fleeing robbery suspects.

Filed in 7th District Court on Nov. 28, the motion to dismiss indicated that the shooting was likely accidental in nature and the state had insufficient evidence to prove criminal intent on the part of the defendant, Edward J. Bentley, beyond a reasonable doubt.